(VOVworld) – The 12th Asia Security Summit or Shangri-La Dialogue has opened in Singapore with representatives from 31 countries participating. The discussions will focus on defense and security cooperation and trust building in the region. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will deliver a keynote address. VOV reports:
The first Shangri-La Dialogue was held in 2002 and has become an annual event with the participation of leaders, security policy makers, and experts from many Asia-Pacific countries.
The Dialogue has the participation of Prime Ministers, Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, Chiefs of the General Staff, Commanders, diplomats, military officials, and researchers. The Dialogue will have 6 special discussions and 5 plenary sessions debating “The US’ approach to regional security”, “Defending national interests, preventing conflict”, “Military modernization and strategic transparency”, “New trends Asia-Pacific security”, and “Advancing military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific”.
 |
| Shangri-La Dialogue is an important regional security forum. (Photo: VGP) |
As a regular participant of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Vietnam has contributed many recommendations for regional security to boost defense diplomacy and handle security challenges at sea. In 2008 and 2012, Vietnamese delegations attended Dialogues at the Deputy Defense Minister level and at the Defense Minister level in 2009, 2010, and 2011. This year, Vietnamese delegates will give presentations on regional security and defense including “Advancing military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific”, “Reforming the regional security structure”, and “Dealing with new security challenges at sea”.
At the 12th Shangri-la Dialogue, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will deliver a keynote speech addressing Vietnam’s diplomatic, security, and national defense policies in the context of increasing tensions in the region. He will put forward proposals calling on the international community to meet challenges and serve the interests of the region and each nation. Dung’s speech will set the themes for the 12th Shangri-La Dialogue.
John Chipman, General Director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, IISS, the organizer of the 12th Shangri-La Dialogue, said the presence of the Vietnamese Prime Minister and Vietnamese viewpoints on defense modernization and solving conflicts will make the regional security discussions more informative. Carlyle Thayer, an expert on Southeast Asia with Australia’s Defense Academy, said Vietnam can expect all security concerns to be fully addressed at this Dialogue.
The organizing board’s invitation for Prime Minister Dung to deliver the opening speech reflects Vietnam’s increasing prestige and status. Vietnam is actively engaged in international integration and cooperation on the basis of equality and constructive spirit for a peaceful, secured environment and regional and global development.
Over the past 11 years, the Shangri-La Dialogue has been an important forum for seeking peace and security measures for a rapidly changing Asia.
Hong Van